Estate Settlement Specialist

Plante Moran•Southfield, MI

2d•$24 - $34

About The Position

The Estate Settlement Specialist performs and monitors most aspects of the estate settlement and post-death administration process, including probate administration, on behalf of the Trust Officer. The role involves identifying, collecting, and valuing assets as of the date of death; settling debts and valid claims; and distributing assets according to the terms of the Trust. The specialist works with fiduciary and trust accounting systems, facilitates account opening, closing, and transfers, manages daily transactions, and prepares receipts and disbursements. The position also coordinates written and verbal communications among internal and external clients, vendors, and advisors. In partnership with the Trust Officer, the specialist may communicate with clients and their legal, tax, and financial advisors. The role contributes to team knowledge-sharing, meetings, process improvement, and consistent practices, while building relationships with Partners, Staff, attorneys, and other referral sources. This is a non-exempt position, and hours may exceed a standard 40-hour work week. Plante Moran describes its workplace model as principally in-person, with flexibility for staff to determine their optimal working environment with their supervisor and team.

Requirements

At least 2 years of administrative or office support experience.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to demonstrate good judgment.
Strong communication and organization skills.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal experience.
Experience in estate settlement, probate administration, trust administration, financial planning, or estate planning.
Undergraduate degree, preferably in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Economics.

Responsibilities

Perform and monitor most aspects of estate settlement and post-death administration, including probate administration, for the Trust Officer.
Identify and collect assets owned by the decedent at the time of death.
Value assets as of the date of death.
Settle debts and pay valid claims and costs of administration.
Distribute assets according to the terms of the Trust.
Understand fiduciary accounting and the trust accounting system.
Facilitate account opening, closing, and transfer processes.
Coordinate written and verbal communications with internal and external clients and vendors, including distribution requests, documentation, client meetings, and other matters.
Manage and monitor daily transactions and prepare receipts and disbursements.
Partner with the Trust Officer to facilitate communication with clients and, when necessary, legal, tax, and financial advisors.
Share best practices with Trust team members, participate in team meetings, contribute to process improvement, and institutionalize practices and procedures.
Build relationships with internal Partners and Staff and external attorneys and other referral sources.